140 years ago

August 8, 1879

We are now able to announce definitely that the grand celebration of the completion of the M. & M. railroad to Marion Centre will occur on Tuesday, August 12th.

Preparations for one of the hugest jollifications ever attempted in Central Kansas have been made and the prospects are that the affair will be truly immense.

Mr. Charles O. Fuller, one of the pioneer settlers of this county, departed this life at his residence on Doyle creek, near Florence, last Saturday morning, aged about 52 years.

Watermelons put in their first appearance last week. Col. Bates brought in the first load, and didn’t forget us.

Material is rapidly accumulating for Mr. Lockwood’s magnificent new stone 50x80 building, which is to be two stories, with high basement and iron front.

We understand that a lot of roughs rode into Gnadenau one night last week, and by their noisy demonstrations greatly disturbed the peace of that quiet Mennonite village. The perpetrators of this outrage on these inoffensive people should be ferreted out and severely punished.